Brownian Motion has honed a seamless end-to-end workflow for virtual production content from set capture, through offline to final pixel delivery. “We specialise in no-compromise plate capture and delivery. Why wouldn’t you want to use the same cameras as the rest of your shoot just because it’s going on a screen?” says self-titled Head Honcho, … Read more
Richard Mead, Brompton Technology CEO, on achieving better colour rendition for in-camera visual effects. One of the benefits of shooting a scene within a virtual production LED volume is the realistic reflections and lighting from the LED panels themselves. This is such an important element of achieving realistic in-camera visual effects (ICVFX) that many volumes … Read more
It’s four years since The Mandalorian landed to showcase the possibilities of virtual production. The technology and techniques have matured and are entering a new phase where creatives consider virtual production at the outset rather than adapting existing scripts to fit. At ARRI Stage London, the onsite team is seeing this trend first hand. Filmmakers … Read more
Discover STS Communication’s cutting-edge Absen LED installation for virtual production. Virtual production (VP) is a filmmaking technique that combines live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI) in real time. VP allows filmmakers to craft immersive and realistic environments without the constraints or expense of location shooting. The approach is growing in popularity in many filmmaking hubs … Read more
Exploring new realms For teams shooting virtual production with 2D assets, cinematographer, Cathy Ye gives a cursory examination of her experience shooting Osoro at Ramaz Studios in London. What is the project? Osoro is a magical realism, proof of concept short film exploring love, loss, and the pursuit of second chances, directed by Sheila Nortley, … Read more
Virtual production treads the boards for SMPTE spectacular “The meeting of three cultures; theatre, virtual production, and cinema,” is how cinematographer Sarah Thomas Moffat describes her work at ‘The Biggest Virtual Production Show Ever’, a full day of demos, panel talks and networking by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) in Los … Read more
Exploring the vast expanse of a desert for a music video holds undeniable allure, but virtual production means braving the elements was no longer a fear, as David Procter BSC explains. The allure of sweeping dunes, stark beauty and endless vistas offers an ethereal quality that seamlessly harmonises with music. However, this appeal accompanies a … Read more
Technological trailblazer Virtual production pioneer project The Mandalorian gets its own spinoff where the technology is equally pivotal. With the arrival of Ahsoka, one of the most influential characters from the animated Star Wars universe gets her own live-action series on Disney+. Older, wiser and same sense of recklessness from her youth, Ahsoka Tano is … Read more
The cinematographer and director of a new short film, End of Infinity, which explores the idea of having a conversation with a deceased loved one, praise the merits of virtual production. Many of us have had that conversation, whether it occurred over dinner, a pub visit, or in the early hours of the morning. It’s … Read more
Vehicle interior shoots are right at home on a virtual production stage. DPs Björn Charpentier SBC and Charlie Gruet share their processes when filming in the volume. Of all the applications to which virtual production has been put, the car interior has probably been the most immediately successful. Virtual production has its origins in the … Read more
Decisions about light and colour made before the virtual production shoot begins can have a big impact on a production’s success. Notwithstanding the efforts of DITs and playback specialists, the final finishing process is often the first point in the life of a production at which the images shot on an LED stage are seen … Read more
With virtual production still in its youth, workflows and jargon can vary from project to project. Four specialists reflect on the importance of clear on-set communication for successful collaboration in the volume. If there’s a single imperative that characterises more or less everything that’s said about virtual production in 2023, it’s the critical need for … Read more
The rise of virtual production has proven a learning curve for both students and lecturers in academia. Get to know the initiatives futureproofing the next generation’s skills set. Bringing new people up to speed on a technology is tough. When that technology is yet to find its final form, it’s even tougher. Even so, the … Read more
DPs, VFX supervisors, and producers discuss the myriad of factors to consider, including shooting schedules, bespoke versus existing LED stage, the needs of the scene, and the hot topic of the year – copyright issues as they relate to AI-generated content. As more productions consider virtual production, we explore some of the elements that should … Read more
As ever more virtual production studios open their doors, filmmakers are spoiled for choice by the facilities available in the UK and beyond. But narrowing down the perfect stage for your requirements can be tricky. Lots of people will expect to stroll into a virtual production studio and see a giant LED videowall and camera … Read more
As virtual production technology matures, the creative freedom it offers opens a world of possibility for filmmakers. Virtual production, most would agree, not a topic that needs a ground-up introduction anymore. The success of several well-known productions has provoked a gold rush of new facilities and interested users, although LED walls and their associated tools … Read more
TAKE OFF FOR THE SONY BURANO Introducing the newest Sony Cinema Line camera, the BURANO, with a high-flying short film that premieres at Camerimage: The Wingman, shot by James Friend ASC BSC. James Friend ASC BSC eyes an F-type Jaguar through a circular polarising filter, checking the reflections in its immaculate bodywork. A Sony BURANO … Read more
DEATH IN VENICE Kenneth Branagh reprises his role as Hercule Poirot in A Haunting in Venice. Haris Zambarloukos BSC GSC on the film explains how he used the aptly named Sony VENICE 2 for a brand-new attempt at a story released 54 years ago. Venice, with its labyrinthine canals, decaying grandeur and eerie ambiance, is … Read more
COMPACT CREATIVITY Cinematographers Oren Soffer and Greig Fraser ASC ACS discuss the crucial role scaled back kit and flexible, agile cameras played in realising Gareth Edwards’ ambitions for sci-fi spectacular, The Creator. When Oren Soffer signed on for The Creator, he was intrigued by the intended approach of director/producer/co-writer Gareth Edwards and fellow cinematographer Greig … Read more
HELPING HAND Created by Sony to address the demand for a smaller camera without sacrificing quality, the Rialto Extension System has revolutionised large-format digital filmmaking. The unique design of the Sony VENICE, introduced in 2017, revolutionised high-end digital motion picture photography. It’s been used as the main camera on everything from Avatar: The Way of … Read more